Beautiful areas in the south west for remote working

With remote working becoming increasingly popular, and a new norm for many companies, the freedom to work from anywhere is an enticing opportunity. In 2020, almost half of the UK’s entire workforce was forced to work from home, but as we know, working within the same four walls day in, day out can get monotonous. Why not make the most of this freedom and spend a week or two working remotely in an idyllic location in the south west of England.

Dorchester

The birthplace of author and poet Thomas Hardy, Dorchester is a picturesque county town in West Dorset that is steeped in history and dates back to the Iron Age. Whether you’re planning a long weekend with a couple of days of remote working either side or you intend to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a few weeks, Dorchester has lots to offer. Get set to wander through its stunning countryside, explore nearby quaint villages and take a seaside stroll – the Jurassic Coast is a mere 13 miles from here.

Book a comfortable bed and breakfast or a charming cottage for you to work from, or add some variety and make the most of working remotely by heading into town and setting your laptop up at a cosy cafe with outdoor seating when the sun is out. Step away from your desk and head for a lunchtime walk to the magnificent Maiden Castle to beat that afternoon slump. This Iron Age hillfort is one of the largest in Europe, spanning 47 acres (or the length of 50 football pitches), and has discoveries dating back to 3500 BCE.

Once you’ve logged off for the day, head to the stunning Lulworth Cove, just 13 miles away, and see the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door. Or for a spot of culture visit Thomas Hardy’s cottage – including the room where he was born and where he wrote some of his most renowned works.

Trains to Dorchester run daily, so find the best route for you with South Western Railway.

Exeter

Full of walking trails, cycle routes and even a canal for an alternative water-based sight-seeing trip, there’s so much to see and do when in Exeter. Treat yourself to a remote working spot on the waterfront or take your productivity to the next level by spending a day working remotely from one of Exeter’s libraries – Exeter Central Library or The Devon & Exeter Institution – and enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet.

Make the most of working remotely in this Devonshire city by nipping out at lunch time for an indulgent and traditional cream tea at one of the many tea rooms, and after work, why not delight in a sunset stroll along one of the city’s walking trails, like the Exeter Medieval trail or the Exeter Jubilee Water Walk, which leads you past ponds and water features for a relaxing end to the day.

After a long working week, head for a weekend adventure at Devon Sculpture Park, which is filled with wildlife including herds of alpaca, deer and more, as well as sculptures – many of which are nature-inspired, so keep an eye out for cranes, owls and other creatures. Or to make the most of being near water, tackle parts of the stunning 26-mile Exe Estuary trail. Head in the direction of either Dawlish or Exmouth, stopping in the picturesque village of Topsham if you choose the Exmouth route. Catch a train to Exeter St Davids to begin your remote working adventure.

Weymouth

The coastal town of Weymouth is located in Dorset, southern England, and its beauty attracts visitors from all around the world. From working in one of its many cosy cafes to soaking up the sunshine and sea air on beachside walks, Weymouth is a remote worker’s paradise. If you enjoy staying active, take your bike with you or hire one to take advantage of the trails nearby, such as the Rodwell Trail, which travels along a former railway route, past old station platforms, Sandsfoot Castle and Portland Harbour.

One of Weymouth’s ultimate highlights is its stretch of sandy beachfront alongside the historic working harbour, where you can spot everything from luxury yachts to lifeboats. Bring your laptop along to a cafe with a view of the coast, and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing along the shore to really make the most of working remotely. And once you’ve finished for the day, treat yourself to a sumptuous, freshly caught seafood supper at one of Weymouth’s many eateries, followed by a drink to unwind at a local pub. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself out of that working from home rut and take the train to Weymouth.

Bournemouth

If you’ve been working from home for a while, spoil yourself with a change of scenery and take a trip to beautiful Bournemouth. Whether it’s for a few days or a matter of weeks, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and reinvigorated after experiencing its award-winning beaches, marvellous gardens and exciting excursions. Find a nice spot in town – be it a cafe, restaurant or bench – to get your work done, or go all out and hire a beach hut at Hengistbury Head Beach, or one of Bournemouth’s five blue flag beaches, to get the true seaside experience as you work while watching the world go by.

At lunchtime, clear your head by meandering through Bournemouth Gardens, which features trees and plants from around the world, so that you’re ready to get through the rest of your to-do list by the end of the day. When the weekend comes around, take a trip to the nearby New Forest National Park, and enjoy a long walk or cycle along some of its many public footpaths.

Take a train to Bournemouth and get ready for truly relaxing remote working experience.

Portsmouth

Known as the Great Waterfront City, Portsmouth and its historic dockyard has plenty to offer for anyone working remotely in the UK. By day, soak up the sea air from a spot in town or in the docks, and break up your day with an educational visit to one of the city’s museums, like the D-Day Museum, the Mary Rose Museum or the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Take the time to climb aboard one of the ships docked in the historic dockyard, like the HMS Victory or the HMS Warrior, for a full immersion into the city’s naval history.

In the evening, reward a hard day’s work with a special trip up the Spinnaker Tower to see the stunning open-roofed sky garden. Tuck into some tea and cake at The Clouds Café, which is located on View Deck 2 of the tower, 105 metres above the harbour, and offers unbeatable views of Portsmouth.

On your days off, take the time to head west and visit the nearby towns of Poole and Christchurch. Take the train to Portsmouth to begin your remote working adventure.

Now that you know some of the best places for remote work in the UK, all that’s standing between you and that revitalising getaway is booking your ticket. Visit our blog for more inspiration and hop aboard a South Western Railway train to transform your remote working routine.